Suction cleaner



March 28, 1939. F. 1 PIERCE SUCTION CLEANER Filed Nov. 21, 1934 2 Sheets-Sheet l ine ' INVENTOR frank Pierce ATTORNEY March 28, 1939. FA L. PIERCE sUCTloN CLEANER 2`Sheets-Sheet 2 FiledNov. 2l, 1954 .me L k ,m ,f s

Patented Mar. 28, 1939 PATENT OFFICE sUcTIoN CLEANER Frank L. Pierce, North Canton, Ohio, assignor to The Hoover Company, North Canton, Ohio, a

corporation of Ohio Application November 21, 1934, Serial No. 754,009 In Great Britain November 23, 1933 23 claims. (ci. 21-1z7) The present invention relates to suction cleaners in general and particularly to new and novel improvements in odorizin'g'units in suction cleaners. More specically the invention comprises an automatic ejector type odo-rizer unit.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved combination of suction cleaning and odor-producing means. It is another object to provide automatic odor-producing means for a suctioncleaner. A still further object is the provision of an odorizing unit in a suction cleaner assembly inwhich a predetermined amount of Volatile agent is exposed to the cleaning air each time the cleaner is placed in operation. VA still further object is the provision of means which function' automatically and which expel a predetermined amount' of volatile agent into contact with .a moving air stream each time the electric current-controlling switch of the cleaner is placed in the on position. A

still further object is the provision in a suction cleaner of an automatic ejector type odorizer unit which functions to expel a predetermined amount of the volatile agent each lcleaning operation when the. suction created bythe cleaner reaches a predetermined point. These and other more specic objects will appear upon reading the following specication and claims and upon considering in connection therewith the attached drawings to which they relate. f

Referring no-w to the drawings-in which preferred embodiments of the present invention are disclosed:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of amodern suction cleaner embodying the present invention;

Figure 2 is a partial top plan view of the cleaner shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a section through the automatic odorizer unit upon the line 3--3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a partial enlargement of the showing of Figure 3 and discloses the plunger element in section;

Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the electrical circuit of the cleaner motor and odorizer unit;

Figure 6 is a partial side View of a second embodimentof the invention;

Figure 7 isa vside-view of the odorizer unit per se, showing it constructed integrally on a removable portion of vthe Vair passageway through the cleaner; o

Figure 8 is a section upon the line 8,-8 of Figure 7. l

In the modern suction cleaner it has been .found desirable to provide apleasanthodor to disguise the dry smell of that very small part of the dust which escapes through'the dirt-separating means. In the usual suction cleaner having an odorizing unit the unit comprises a housing for a volatile element which is connected to the 5. point of low pressure in the cleaner so that air is drawn through the volatile element. If the undesirable volatilization of the agent' is to be prevented when the cleaneris not in use manually operable valve means must be provided. Ac- 10 cording to applicants invention the volatile element is normally sealed from atmosphere and a sufficient quantity of that element is ejected for each cleaning operation to satisfy therequirements thereof. This ejection takes place auto- 1liv matically and requires no attention from the user. At the end of a. cleaning operation the body of the volatile agent remains sealed from atmosphere and unintended and undesired leak- .age does not occur. 20

Referring again to the drawings and to Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, in particular, a preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed embodied in a well known type of cleaner. The

nozzle of the machine is indicated by the refer- 25Y ence character I, the fan chamber by 2, and the exhaust outlet by 3. A motor casing 4 is positioned immediately above the fan chamber 2 and houses an unshown driving motor 5, which is not physically shown but is illustrated diagrammati- 30 cally in Figure 5, to rotate a suction-creating fan 2a positioned within the fan chamber 2. The ian functions to draw cleaning air from the nozzle Vl through the air passageway 6 and into the fan chamber 2. From there it is exhausted 35 through the exhaust outlet 3 into the dust bag 1 where the suspended foreign matter is removed. 'Ihe cleaner is supported upon front and rear wheels 8 and 9, respectively, and a pivoted handle IIJ is provided by which the operator may exert a 40 propelling force.

The odorizing unit constructed in accordance with the present invention is formed with a body I I which is secured to the top of the exhaust outlet 3 by screws I2, I2. This body is illustrated as being substantially cylindrical in shape although this is not o-f the essence. BodyII is formed internally at o-ne end with a volatile element reservoir I3 which is normally closed at its outer end by a screw cap I4. A closure seal I5 slides in huid-tight relationship with the walls of the reservoir and includes acoil spring I6 which seats .against the inside of the screw cap I4 and functions resiliently toiorce the seal in- 55 wardly against the surface of the contained agent. Y

At the opposite end of the odorizer unit body II is positioned an electric solenoid I1 including a centrally positioned armature I8 which is rigidly connected to a cylindrical plunger I9 located within the volatile element exhaust chamber 20. Plunger I9 is counterbored for its entire length being open to atmosphere at armature I8. The plunger within chamber 20 is provided with a sliding compensator |9a which functions to relieve the vacuum within the chamber, as vthe plunger is moved outwardly, by itself sliding inwardly. Solenoid I1 is connected electrically by leads 2|, 2| to the incoming leads 22, 22 to the cleaner motor and is accordingly in the circuit of the motor-controlling switch 23.

Exhaust chamber 20 is connected to reservoir` I 3 by a small diameter fluid passageway 24 which is provided with a leak passageway 25 normally closed by a screw threaded plug 26. Plug 26 carries at its inner end a wick 26a. which seats in the passageway 24 and is present only when a liquid is to be used. When a paste `is used the plug alone is present. The removal of the plug permits of the discharge of the volatile element positioned within chamber or reservoir I3 without passing through the exhaust chamber 20. Chamber 2|) is also connected to valve chamber 21 which is normally closed by the spring-pressed ball valve 28 so that the uid cannot escape. 'I'he valve chamber is formed of a detachable element which is screw threaded into the body II and is itself interiorly connected by an exhaust outlet 29 to the interior of the cleaner exhaust outlet 3, the latter being provided with a suitable opening at that point including a suitable seal 30.

Within plunger chamber or exhaust chamber 20 are positioned two concentric coil springs 3|, 3|

which at one end seat against the end of the chamber and at their opposite ends against the plunger I9 functioning to resiliently force that member to the opposite end of the chamber to uncover the port formed by the end of passageway 24. 'I'he inner spring seats rdirectly on compensator I9a, as shown in Figure 4 and holds that element of the plunger in place except when the vacuum in the chamber 20, caused by the outward movement of the plunger, exerts a greater force in the opposite direction. Upon the port of passageway 24 being uncovered the volatile element rushes in to fill the vacuum and the compensator is again seated.

With the suction cleaner inoperative and a body of volatile agents filling the reservoir I3 and the exhaust chamber 2|] the parts are in the relationship illustrated in lFigure 3. Escape of the fluid at the open end of the reservoir is prevented by the seal I5 which is spring-pressed inwardly and holds the element in a compact and concentrated body. The spring-pressed ball valve 28 is sufficiently stiff that no fluid escapes under the normal force exerted by the seal spring I6. The plunger I9 is in the position illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, being held there by the springs 3|, 3|. `Upon the cleaner being placed in operation by the operator closing the electric motor switch 23 electric current passes through the machine and the solenoid I1 is energized. Armature I8 moves inwardly and plunger I9 slides within its seat formed by exhaust chamber 28 towards the opposite end thereof. It first passes and closes theV port of passageway24. The Vodorizing element remaining in the` exhaust chamber is then subject to compression under the action of the plunger and upon the internal pressure reaching a sufficient point the ball valve 28 is forced open and fluid escapes through the valve chamber and exhaust outlet 29. So long as the cleaner remains in operation the magnetic field created by the solenoid I1 holds the armature I8 in its inner position and additional volatile element is not ejected. VIf the vcleaner is stopped and again started the operation described is repeated. Repeated stopping and starting of the cleaner does not result in repeated ejections, however, for an appreciable time interval is required to again fill the exhaust chamber 20. If the odorizer iiuid used is a paste the small diameter of the passageway 24 results in the delayed filling. If a liquid agent is used the wick 26a is incorporated and performs a similar deterring function. Some fluid can be present in chamber 20, obviously, Without an ejection taking place upon the movement of the plunger.

During the cleaner operation the air stream moved through the cleaner by the suction-creating means passes the ejected volatile element to carry it away through the cleaner dust bag 1 and into the surrounding atmosphere. Upon the opening of the cleaner switch the solenoid is deenergized `and the plunger is forced outwardly by the springs 3 I, 3 I. This movement tends to create a vacuum in the chamber 20 which would have the effect of opposing the outward movement of the plunger. The compensator Isa, however, slides forward in its seat to ll the space left by the outer walls of the plunger being withdrawn. This compensation continues until the plunger has again uncovered the port of passageway 24, at which time a fresh supply of fluid enters to equalize the pressure and the compensator is spring urged into its seat.

A fresh supply of volatile odorizing element, a uid which may vary in viscosity from a thick p-aste to a liquid, may be placed in reservoir by removing cover I4.

Referring now to Figures 6 to 8, inclusive, a second preferred embodiment of the invention is disclosed. According to this embodiment the automatic odorizer unit is suction operated, and the electrical actuating means of the first embodiment are eliminated. The body I I of the present unit may be formed integrally upon that removable portion ofthe air passageway 6 which is positioned immediately below the fan chamber 2 and which is known as the pulley housing or cover. The unit body is again formed with an element reservoir I3 which is closed as in the first embodiment and is interiorly connected by a passageway24 to the exhaust chamber 20. The exhaust chamber is interiorly connected to the inside of the air passageway 6 through the valve chamber 21, normally closed by the springpressed ball valve 28, and through the exhaust outlet 29 thereof.

The plunger I9 in the present embodiment is constructed with the compensator I9a and is directly connected to the moving side 35 of a pressure-responsive bellows 36. Bellows 36 is seated within the end of body I I opposite to that occupied by reservoir I3, and is interiorly connected to the interior of air passageway 6 by a conduit 39. 'I'he outer side of movable element 35 is exposed to atmospheric pressure, the cover plate 31 being perforated adjacent thereto. The bellows is normally held in expanded position as illustrated in Figure 8 by an interiorly positioned coil spring 38 and when so positioned the plunger I9 is'withdrawn and the passageway 24 directly connects the reservoir I3 to the chamber 20. As in the previous embodiment coll springs 3l, 3| positioned within the chamber act upon the plunger I9, in this instance also assisting the coil spring 38 in opposing the inward movementV of the plunger.

In the inoperative relationship of this last em-V bodiment of the invention,the parts are positioned as shown in Figure 8. fUpon the cleaner being placed in operation and the pressure within the air passageway 6, which is substantially the-inlet of the fan chamber, being reduced belowV atmospheric', the pressure within the bellows 36 is also reduced and atmospheric pressure acting against the outer side of movable element 35 causes the bellows to collapse and the plunger I9 to be moved inwardly past the passageway 24. The iiuid in the exhaust chamber 20 is again compressed and expelled through the valve chamber 21 as in the previous embodiment to'be exposed to the moving stream of air passing through the lair passageway. The return of the plunger to its inoperative position and the functioning of the compensator is as described in connection with the first embodiment. The time delay required to ll the exhaust chamber 20 .explained in connection with the first embodiment is also present.

I claim:

1. In combination in a suction cleaning apparatus, means to create a flow of air, a volatile agent source outside the ow of air, means to move a quantityof agent from said source to said air to disguise the odor of cleaner operation, and means operable in response tothe starting of said cleaner automatically to actuate said last mentioned means at the Ybeginning of each clean-` ing cycle, characterized in that said actuating means include a power element which is electrically operated.

2, In combination in a suction cleaning apparatus, means to create a ilow of air, a volatile agent source outside the iiow of air, means to move a quantity of agent from said source to said air to disguise the odor of cleaner operation,

and means operable in response tothe starting of said cleaner automatically to actuate said last mentioned means at the beginning of each cleaning cycle, characterized in that said actuating means are outside the air ow and are operated by air pressure variations eiected by the air iiow creating means.

3. In combination in a suction cleaning apparatus, suction-creating means including an electric motor to create a flow of air, a container for a volatile agent, valve means closing the interior of said container to said air, means to open said valve means, and an electric solenoid electrically connected to said motor to actuate said last mentioned means, and switch means controlling the ow of current thru said motor and said solenoid.

4. In combination in a suction cleaning apparatus, means to create a flow of cleaning air and an odorizer unit, said unit including a closed reservoir adapted to contain a body of volatile uid, means to eject a part only of said fluid from said reservoir into said flow of air through said apparatus at a point such that said fluid will be retained therein for volatilization, and electrically actuated means to energize said last mentioned means.

5. In a suction cleaning apparatus, suctioncreating means adapted to move a stream of air, a reservoir for volatile fluid having a removable cover, a spring-urged seal at the cover adapted to contact thesurface ofsaid` fluid, a valve between said reservoir and said air stream spring closed, and'means to force a measured quantity of fluid from said reservoir past said valve and into said air stream.

6. In a suction cleaning apparatus, suctioncreating means adapted to move a stream of air, a source of volatile agent closed to air, automatick means effective to deliver a quantity of agent from said source to said air stream at the initial cleaning operation, and means to restrain the passage of said agent from said cleaner except in a volatilized form, characterized in that means are provided to prevent deliveries of said agent upon subsequent rapid stopping and starting of said suction-creating means.

7. In combination in a` suction cleaning apparatus, suction-creating means to'create a flow of air and an odorizer unit, said unit comprising a reservoir for a volatile lagent,: an exhaust chamber open to said reservoir, normally closed valve means between said chamber and the air flow, and.means to force a charge of agent from said chamber throughvr said valve and into the air flow. 1

8. In combinationin a'suction cleaning apparatus, sucton-c-reating means to create a flow of air and an odorizer unit, said unit comprising a reservoir for a volatile agent; an exhaust chamber open to said reservoir, valve means for said chamber exposed'to the air iiow, an ejector in said chamber movable'to force a charge of agent from said chamber through said valve means to said air flow, a compensator in said ejector to prevent the formation of a vacuum in said chamber upon the return of said ejector to its initial position, and means to actuate said ejector.

9. The construction-recited by the preceding claim characterized in that said compensator is movable relativek to said ejectorand is exposed to atmospheric pressure on one side to permit such relative movement..

10. In combination in a suctioncleaning apparatus, suction-creatingmeans to create a flow of air and an odorizer unit, said unit comprising a reservoir for a volatile agent, an exhaust chamber open to said reservoir, means to force said agent from said reservoir to said chamber, and valve means controlling the ilow of agent from said chamber and adapted to be opened by pressure in said chamber and positioned between said chamber and the air flow.

11. In combination in a suction cleaning apparatus, suction-creating means to create a iiow of air and an odorizer unit, saidunit comprising a reservoir for a volatile agent, an exhaust chamber open to said reservoir, means forcing said agent from said' reservoir to said chamber, valve means connecting said chamber to the flow of air created by said suction-creating means and adapted to be opened by pressure in said chamber, and an ejector-plunger movable in said chamber to seal said chamber to said reservoir and to force a charge of volatile agent in said chamber through said valve means and to the air ow.

12. The construction recited in the preceding claim characterized in that means are provided to prevent the immediate iilling of said chamber with agent from said reservoir upon the return of said ejector-plunger to its initial position.

13. The construction recited in the second preceding claimV characterized in that means, comprising a restricted'connecting passageway, are provided to delay Vthe replenishment of saiid chamber with agent from said reservoir upon the return of said ejector-plunger` to itsinitial tion.

14. The construction recited in the third preceding claim characterized in that means, comprising a wick in a connecting lpassageway, are provided to delay the replenishment of said chamber with agent from said reservoir upon the return of said ejector-plunger to its initial position. Y f

15. In combination in a suction cleaning apparatus, suction-creating means to create a ow of air and an odorizer unit, vsaid unit comprising a reservoir for a volatile agent, an exhaust chamber open -to said reservoir, means forcing said agent from said reservoir to said chamber, valve means for said chamber exposed to the air ow and adapted tobe opened by pressure in said chamber, an ejector-plunger movable in said chamber to seal said` chamber to said reservoir and to force a charge of volatile agent in said chamber through said valve means and to the air ilow, and electrically operated means-to actuate said ejector-plunger.`

16. In combination in a suc-tion cleaning apparatus, suction-creating means to create a flow of air and an odorizer unit, said unit comprising a reservoir for a volatile agent, an exhaust chamber open to said reservoir, means forcing said agent from said reservoir to said chamber, valve means connecting said chamber to the air flow posiand adapted to be opened by pressurev in said chamber, an ejector-plunger movable in said chamber to seal said chamber to said reservoir and to force a charge of volatile agent in said chamber through said valve means and to the air flow, and air-pressure-operated means to actuate said ejector-plunger.

17. In combination, a suction cleaner including suction-creating means and characterized by an operating odor, an odorizer unit including a sealed source of volatile agent, electrically operated means to eject a charge of unvolatilized agent from said source, and manually operable switch means controlling said suction-creating mean and said ejecting means.

18. In combination in a suction cleaning apparatus including air-moving means, means adapted to contain a volatile agent,means normally sealing said last mentioned means, means to move a measured quantity of agent from said agentcontaining means past said sealing means, said sealing means closing after such removal, and means operated in response to the operation of air-moving means in said apparatus to actuate said agent-moving means.

.19. In combination-in a suction cleaning apparatus having air-moving means, including an electric motor', meansadapted to contain a volatile agent, means normally'sealing said last mentioned means, means to move a measured quantity oi agent from -saidagent-containing means past said-sealing meansA intov contact with a flow of air created by said air-,moving means, said sealing means closing :after such removal, and means to` actuatesaid agent moving means and comprising an electric power unit connected electrically-in the circuit ofsaid motor and energized upon the closing, of the motor circuit.

20. In combination ina suction cleaning apparatus, means adapted to containa volatile agent, means normally sealing said last mentioned means, means `to moveY a .measured quantity of agent from said agent-containing means past said sealing means', said sealing means closing after'such removal, an electric power unit to operate said Vagent-moving means, and a manuallyV operable switch controlling the current to said unit;

21'.` In combination in a suction cleaning apparatus, suction-creatingv means, an air conduit connected to said suction-creating means, means to contain a volatile agent, movable sealing means between said agent-containing means and said conduit, means to eject a quantity of agent from said agent-containing means past said'sealing means to said conduit, an air-pressure-responsive device connected to lsaid suction-creating means andadapted to operate the ejecting means by power derived fromthe suction-creating means.

`22.` The construction recited in the preceding claim in'which said air pressure-responsive devicecompr'ises a bellows exposed to atmosphere and to air pressure created by said suction creating meansjandin that said agent-ejecting means comprises aj plunger movable in said agent-containing means. Y

23. In combination in a suction cleaning apparatus, means 'to create a iiow of cleaning air, and means to disguise the odor of the .cleaning operationy without interfering therewith, said last mentioned means comprising an air-sealed volatilel agent container and means to eject measured charges of agent from said container into the flow of air through said apparatus at a point such that said agentwill not be bodily transported from said apparatus but will be volatilized.

FRANK L. PIERCE. 

